Religious Tourism: Ekiti State Government to turn Apostle Ayo Babalola's cenotaph to Nigeria's tourism hub

Ekiti State Government has declared its intention to make the cenotaph of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the first General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church, worldwide, one of the best Nigeria's religious tourist hub.



The state’s Commissioner for Arts, Tourism and Culture, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare, who disclosed this after a tour of the state’s tourism facilities with newsmen, said that Ekiti boasts of numerous natural endowments that are tourism wonders.

CAC General Evangelist, Prophet Hezekiah O. Oladeji and others praying at Apostle Babalola cenotaph 

“The essence of our tour of tourism sites in the state is to showcase to the world our potentials for tourism business. You have seen the depth of what we have. What is left is for investors to come in and do business with the state.



“It is good to build filling stations and hotels, but tourism sites when invested in, can give you what petrol stations and running a hotel cannot give you.


“We are calling on domestic and foreign investors to come to Ekiti State and do tourism business with us. The message is simple: if your ambition is to make money, come to Ekiti State. We have a lot for you to key into and make money," he said.


According to Bakare, some of the state’s tourism sites, such as the Arinta Waterfall, the Ero Dam, Fajuyi Amusement Park, the Ikogosi Warm Spring and the Civic Centre edifice, which contains the cinemas, art theatre, gallery and other facilities cannot be found elsewhere in the country.


He added: “I don’t know where something like our civic centre is in Nigeria except National Theatre in Lagos. In the next couple of months, Ekiti State will be the hub of entertainment.” (The Guardian)